A Honeybee

I am a honeybee, an indefatigable worker I work just as hard as an ant. I don't work alone, of course I have a colony behind me! I'm a crucial part of the ecosystem You'll find me feeding on nectar or pollen in the meadow, in the garden, in the park, even roadside. I'm not far wherever flowers are available. I make my nest up in tree trunks, dry caves, telephone poles, rock crevices, deep in the jungle, to name a few. I'm not as irritating as the house fly buzzing about your ear. I leave you be but I'll sting you mercilessly if you invade my nest, so wisely stay away! My quotidian activities include producing honey, pollinating flowers, fruit trees, field crops, nursing the grubs and defending the nest vigorously I can be male or female I'm more powerful as a female than male As queen bee, I rule the roost. I'm surrounded by thousands of dedicated workers all hatched from my eggs, and they follow my lead. Again, I'm more powerful as a female, and don't you forget it! On hot days, I fan my wings in the hive to keep it cool. Bet you didn't know that! I use my antenna to detect and translate dance messages in the darkness of the hive. I use my jaws to cut a hole in flower petals so I can reach deep into nectaries with my long tongue. Now, excuse me while I get back to work... making more honey... oh, and fighting off honey badgers! Submitted for... Bee Creative Poetry Contest Sponsored by Matt Caliri Date written: 06/07/2020 Date submitted: 06/17/2022